Where to Now?

So Moses led the people to the promised land…and they followed. It was a long perilous journey, but they had their eyes on the prize: Freedom. The ability to live that mythological existence for them. A place they had never known. Not all of the perils were external- there were many internal issues for them to have to contend with. Who was really in charge? Was it Moses, the reticent leader who was unsure why God had chosen him to lead? Or was it Aaron, the fighter who had reason at the end of a blade?

Leadership

The people had a choice to make - Moses the visionary or Aaron the fighter. Two completely different styles, but only one could lead the group. Which skill set would prevail and present the people's message? The visionary wins and the journey begins. The choice of a leader has more to do with our own needs and desires than the skills presented by the potential leader. What is it we are truly looking for and, in fact, will we have a clear understanding of it when it stands before us?

A Jewish Life

The IJL is beginning a journey to a new promised land. A third stop on our journey to find God and ourselves. First there was Caanan. Second, we came to the Goldene Medinah, "the Golden Land," the United States, in an immigration second only to our departure from slavery in Egypt. We came to the United States to find freedom; of life, liberty and faith. We came to the melting pot of a new world and finally fit in.

But we have lost a great part of our uniqueness and specialness. Over 80% of the Jews in the US are unaffiliated with any synagogue at all, wandering through their lives devoid of a Jewish touchstone other than, perhaps, the Passover Seder. Intermarriage is tilting at 40% and increasing. If we don't step up to the plate NOW, we will disappear into the same melting pot we so dreamed of joining. The proverbial yarmulke on the Easter bunny picture will become more and more real.

Now the time has come to create the merger of the life we've created with the life we need. We need to reclaim our Jewishness. If we let it sail like an arrow from the quiver, flying towards the sky only to see it fall to the ground, we will disappear.

The Institute for Jewish Living will LEAD THE WAY!

As Moses before us, the IJL will lead the way forward. We look to find those who choose to engage their Jewishness in ways never before presented to them, packaged in high level classes, spiritual services that cause you to reach inside and see your authentic self, to hear music that celebrates the genius of the Jewish vision and takes you on a journey inward AND skyward.

Listen to the clip we are attaching to this blog...a song called Journey. Hear the questions and search for the answers. Write and let us know how your journey is to begin and how the IJL can become your partner and help you reach your place.

The Journey



Of the many names of God listed in the Torah, to me the most compelling is haMakom: "The Place." Perhaps it is the place inside of you that needs to belong, needs to stand proud and needs to see the world through Jewish eyes. The journey begins. The way to serenity and genuine compassion for others is there to be found. Join with us as we look inside for the new promised land: your heart and your soul.

Join with us and put your foot into the Sea of Reeds as did Nachshon ben Aminadav.

Faith is not based on proof...it is a moment of belief. Come believe with us.